Arsenal could beat Bayern in the chase for defensive starlet: A move they need to make?

Premier League giants Arsenal are set to beat Bayern Munich in the race to sign highly talented defensive starlet Caglar Soyuncu, according to latest reports. The Freiburg sensation, who has been one of the rising stars in the Bundesliga this season, has already been the subject of various transfer speculation throughout the course of this campaign.

However, Seyit Mehmet Ozkan – the president of Soyuncu’s former club – Altinordu, has reportedly claimed that the defender is set to join Arsenal, snubbing German champions Bayern Munich in the process.

Speaking at the International Football Economic Forum, Ozkan said: “Caglar Soyuncu is set to join Arsenal”

Although Freiburg chief Jochen Saier has already dismissed such transfer allegations, stating: ‘Ozkan can know little about the overall scenario. ‘This is total nonsense. Arsenal did not contact me and there is no offer.’ – during an interview with SportBILD, it’s probably fair to reflect on the fact that the Turkish international is destined to leave the Bundesliga in the upcoming summer, meaning the chances of him moving to Arsenal are pretty high at the moment.

Currently struggling on the wrong end of the table, SC Freiburg are still pretty much in the relegation scrap with just one matchday remaining. Their awful goal difference means that they can’t afford to lose against FC Augsburg in the next game if they are to finish above 16th placed Wolfsburg.

But even if they survive the discontent of having to play the relegation playoffs, the men from the black forest are still destined to lose their prized defender this summer.

Who is Caglar Soyuncu? 

Despite their struggles, Caglar Soyuncu has played a critical role in the club’s performances, which has raised quite a lot of eyebrows in the Bundesliga this season.

Known for his no-nonsense style of defending, the Freiburg starlet is regarded as the next big thing in Turkish football. When it comes to defending, Soyuncu ticks in every corner possible.

The 21-year-old averaged six defensive actions per game, more than anyone in the team. His dogged nature of defending coupled with his aerial dominance are the qualities which makes him one of the most sought-after defenders in German football.

Furthermore, Caglar Soyuncu also has impressive ball playing ability whilst he can also prove to be a danger from set pieces. Although sometimes prone to making the odd mistakes in defence, the youngster has improved his game a lot in recent months.

With the likes of Shkodran Mustafi and Nacho Monreal failing to establish a formidable defensive unit in the Arsenal backline while youngsters, in the shape of Calum Chambers and Rob Holding fail to step up, the acquisition of a class defender could be imperative for the Gunners this summer.

Caglar Soyuncu has already proved himself capable of playing in one of the most leagues in the world even in his debut campaign. Therefore, his addition to Arsenal could be a step towards the right direction, as the club prepares for life without veteran skipper Per Mertesacker next season.

[Stat courtesy: Squawka]